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SWITCHING DEVICE Filed Nov. 12, 1940 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 20, 1943. E. s. CORNELL ETAL 2,316,844

swITcHING DEVICE .F`i1ed'Nov- 12, 1940 7 sheets-sheet 7 Patented Apr. 20, 1943 SWITCHING DEVICE Elias S. Cornell and Thorsten Fjellstedt, Chicago, and Stanley C. Killian, Oak Park, Ill., assignors to Delta-Star Electric Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application November 12, 1940, Serial No. 365,308

17 Claims.

This invention relates to switches, and is particularly concerned with electrical switching devices provided for carrying heavy currents.

The general object ofv the invention is the provision of a new and improved switch characterized by simplicity of design and certainty as well as reliability in operation. In order to realize this object, we have considered all component parts required in an apparatus of this type and their relation to as well as cooperation with each other; we have rearranged, modied and 1re-designed these parts, and have introduced new and improved structural elements, resulting in the noval switching devices which form the subject matter of this specification.

A brief review of some of the considerations leading up to the invention and of some of its salient features is presented below so as to support the understanding of the detailed explanations which are to follow.

A switch of the type disclosed herein is used for making and breaking conductive connection between current-carrying conductors, lines or bus bars or the like. The switch may be used outdoors andmust therefore be adapted to withstand varying weather conditions; its operating parts must reliably function even when covered with sleet or ice. It should be so constructed that it can be mounted and operated in any potantly disposed contact or terminal means for engagement with the switch blade. The switch blade is rotatably mounted at or near one end thereof, and its motion is controlled by an actuating mechanism which is disposed on a rotatable insulating stack. An actuating mechanism of this type, which is suitable for use in the present invention, is disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,231,992 dated February 18, 1941. This mechanism, upon rotation of the rotatable stack, causes the switch blade to swing through an arcuate pathV from open to closed position, and to rotate angularly around its own axis incident to its arcuate movement so that its contacte making end portion at the moment of com- (Cl. 20D-48) pleting the closing operation of Vthe switch, is inserted in the d-istantly located contacts with a high pressure contact-making action. The operation is reversed during the switch-opening action; that is, the blade is first rotated around its own axis so as to relieve thehigh contact Some of the particular objects and features of the present invention may be briefly stated as follows:

An object of-the invention relates to a new and yimproved switch of this type having a switch blade rotatably mounted intermediate its ends, with actuating means for rotating the blade and for moving it through an arcuate path from open to closed position, and Vvice versa.

Another object is realized in the provision of a switch as defined in the preceding paragraph where-in a cross-sectionally polygonal member constitutes the Switch blade.

A further object has to do with the provision of new means for producing and maintaining high pressure contact relation in the closed position of the switch between the switch bladev sition, for example, upright on top of a support- :lo and its mounting structure which also carries ing structure, or inj vertical position on the side the terminal contact` bars. This means comthereof, or in inverted position depending thereprises contact structures of novel form and arfrom. These are only a few of the requirerangement for high pressure contact engagements that should be and are fullled by the ment directly with the inner end of the switch switches made in accordance with this inveng5 blade when the blade is in closed position. y tion. Another object nds expression in the pro- The new switch may be arbitrarily considered vision of new stationary Contact means for high as comprising stationary terminal contact pressure contact engagement with the far or -means, a movable switch blade or blades conouter contact-making end of the switch blade. ductively connected therewith, and a set of dis- .10 This means is similar to that defined in the im- A further object is concerned with means for counterbalancing the weight of the switch blade so as to obtain a smooth, balanced and efficient action thereof. l

Another object relates to the provision of a i `,ment of theswitch;v v l l 1 4Figs. 2A and 2B. taken together, represent a top plan view, on a larger scale, Vof the structure v o' shown inFig. 1, Fig. i2A showing the right-'hand end, and Fig. 2B the left handend of Vthe switch.

standing `of what Vis new.

new switch` wherein the blade is rotatably mounted intermediate its ends, together with stationary contact means for high pressure engagement with each end of the blade in closed position thereof. Y

Still another object has to do with the provision of a novel switch having a plurality of blades, for example, two blades -disposed parallel with `each` otnerfwherein some or' all,of the aforementioned features are incorporated, together with a single actuating mechanism for operating -the blades simultaneously, andmeans for coordinating and synchronizing the rotary action of the blades with the common arcuateoperation thereof. y

These objects and features,v and additional objects and features not yet specifically men-` tioned, will not be described in ydetail with'reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein- Fig. 1 illustrates a side ,view of one embodi- Flg.' 3 shows `a transverse view, on a somewhat enlarged scale, taken along line 3-3: in,Flg. 1, i looking' at.-the stationary terminal contact assembly;

Fig. 4 lis a transverse. view alongline 4 4 in the contact assemblage located at and coacting with the inner end of the blade, and also showingmeans for counterbalancing and controlling the operation of the blade;

Fig.`5 illustrates a side view of a switch made n in accordance with another embodiment of the vinvention; f

FISSLGA and a somewhat larger scale a top plan view of the switch yshown in Fig. 5, .Fig.f6A1illustrating the left hand end, ,andFig. 6B the righthand end of the switch;A Y u vrtact bars til` and `6 I..

Intermediate of these stacks is disposed the rotatable insulating stack I4. The latter may be journalled in a suitable bearing I5 and may be provided with an extension I6 (Figs. 1 and 4) for attaching thereto the proper desiredor required driving means.

The stationary insulating stack I3 carries a `frame ,orA carriage"structureA v which may be made in the form` of a'bron'ze casting. VIt is ilxedly attached at one endl to the adapter 2i carried on the stack I3, and is provided at this `end with two angularly disposed mounting exVV tensions 22and 23 for securing thereon the con- The frame 20 extends forwardly in the direction of the rotatable stack Il where itisvprovided with a journal section 2|.

Fig. 1, on a somewhat enlarged scale, looking at u 6B, taken -together,represent on Fig. 7 is a'transverse viewtaken along line 1--1 Y in Fig.V 5, on a somewhatenlarged scale, show- 1 ing the stationary contact assemblage at the left hand end of the switch; and

Fig.` 8 is a transverse view takenv along line 'Y 8 8 in Fig. 5, on a somewhat larger scale, looking at the blade-actuating mechanism.

Like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Details and elements whichmay be assumed to be well known in the art will be described only to the extent necessary for supporting the under- We will first rdescribe (Figs. 2A and 2B) and the sectional views (Figs.

'i `3 and 4) are shown on a larger scale than thatV applied in Fig. 1, in order to bring out the placel of the variouslnew ele-` ment and relationship ments.

Numeral I I designates generally the supporting Vstructure or base of the switch, which may com-` prise suitably joined structural steel beams or the like.

Mounted on this structure in fixed relation thereto are the stationary insulatorstacks generally designated` z-by kthe numerals-.I 2 andy I3.

Legs such as 25 and 26 (Figs. 1 and 4) extend forwardly from. the journal section 24 formingv `mountings for receiving the contact pressure or counter pressure springs such as 10 and 12. The rotatable stack I4 is provided with asuitable adapter-.28.' Secured to this adapter is thebladeactuating mechanism, the structurebeing `rotat ably mounted in ball bearings in the journalportion of the frame 20. It will thus be'seen that the frame 20 is mounted at one endin'nxed re-V lation onv the stationaryrstackl3 extending for-` wardly and? providing a journal yfor the` rotatable mounting vo f the upper end of the rotatablewstack I4 which carries the actuating mechanism for the blade.A f' I,

The blade-actuating mechanism, as Vhas ,been

mentioned before, Vis 'disclosed "in Patent No.

2,231,992, which may be consulted for details of structure and Y operation. Briefly stated, 1 this mechanism comprises an angular` "journal or crankrpin attached to the, top of the rotatable lstack above. the bearing portion 2lof thefframe 20, 'beingv rotatable with lthe stack andiintersecting the axis of rotation thereof;v Rotatably mounted on this. angular pin is the blade carriage or actuating'member 21,`best. seen""in Fig. 2A. Projecting angularly from thismember is an extension" 2s which in this embodiment or the invention projectsy into the tubular cross-sectionally 'rectangularv blade 29 andis suitably at- Y tached to the blade, for example, by screws, as `indicated in Fig. 4. Numeral3ii '(Fig. 2A)`r indicatesa bearing nut which holds the .blade car-Y riage 2l in rotatable engagement with the angularly disposed crank pin which is rotatable with the rotatable stack I4., The frame 20 is yalso provided inA its forward end, and substantially along theline of the axis ofthe rotatable `stack Il, with the switching device o shown in Figs.- 1-4, inclusive.- Figs. 2A and- `2B should be takentogether by joining the i' dot-dash line at the left of Fig. 2A with -the dot-dash line at the right ofv Fig. 2B.

Y Certain details of the actuating mechanism have been omitted in Fig. 4in order to show other novel elements more clearly. The top plan view two extensions 3I` and `32,'best seen in- Fig. 2A, for pivotally mounting the two legs 33and V34 of the blade carriage guide 35. The forwardconnecting end of this guide member isI made in the form of va bearing for journallingV the bearing member 36 which may be attached to thefblade 2! by Vmeansoi suitable bolts, as indlcatedmin Fig. 1

vat 31. The arms or legs 33 and/34` of the'guide member extend rearwardly from the pivotfpoints arend 32 ef the frame, as indicated at as and as.

closed operated position in which it is shown in the various gures of the drawings.

Counterbalance means are provided in order to balance the weight of the blade 29 and to govern its arcuate motion from closed to open position, or vice versa, comprising the outer counterbalance housings 50 and 5| each equipped with a mounting leg such as 52, 53, for attachment to the arms 33 and 34, respectively, of the guide 35. These housings 50 and 5| are thus rotatable with the guide and partake in its arcuate swinging motion during the opening or closing movement of the switch blade 29. Attached to the frame by means of the legs 54 and 55 (Fig. 4) are the stationary counterbalance housing members 56 and 51, which are disposed in back of the housings 50 and 5|, respectively, and close the rear thereof. Counterbalance springs are mounted within these housings with the inner end of each spring connected to a corresponding stud, such as 58 and 59 shown in Fig. 2A. The outer end of each spring may be secured inside of the corresponding outer rotatable housing member such as 50 and 5|.

The generally iiat elongated contact bars or members 60 and 6I, to which may be connected one side of the line bus bar or the like, are secured to the mountings 22, 23 of the frame 20. These members, which may be made of copper, project forwardlyY between the sidewalls of the frame 20, as particularly shown in Figs. -1 and 2A, passing along side the actuating member 21 where they are slightly curved, for clearance, as

indicated at 62 and 63. The members terminate each in a set of contact springs or contact iingers 64--65 and'BB-BL respectively. These contact springs are in this embodiment formed from the members 60, 6I and extend along aline at the left of and parallel to the axis of the rotatable insulating stack I 4. Each member 60-6I is L- shaped at its forward end, and is angularly slotted so as to form the resilient contact springs which project angulariy therefrom, as shown.

' The slotted structure of these particular Vcontact springs does not appear from the drawings, as the corresponding portions are concealed behind other details; their shape willbe fully apparent after examining the contact assemblage indicated at the upper left hand side of Fig. l,`show ing the stationary contact assemblage mounted on the stationary insulating stack I2, comprising the nat elongated members and angularly disposed contact springs, which are formed similarly to the members and associatgd contact springs now being considered. Part of the slot provided in the member 60 is, however, shown in Fig. 2A

tively, extending from the frame 20. Each of these sets of springs is made of two leaves,` as particularly shown in Fig. 4, and each is spaced from the contact spring with which it coacts by means of aspacer such as particularly shown in Y 4 at 80. The placement of these contact springs with their spacers will be better understood after considering the structure of the stationary contact assembly supported on the stationary insulating'stack I2 which will now be vdescribed in .detail withreference of Figs. 1, 2B and 3.

Mounted on theV stationary insulating stack I2 in fixed relationfthereto is a carrier or frame 85 having mountingsformed by two rearwardlyextending arms 86 and 81. These arms have been shown broken away in Fig. 3 in. order to avoid at 68, separating the contact springs`64--85, 'and the corresponding part of the slot in contact bar or member 6|, and separating the contact lsprings 66--61 is indicated at 69. The contact springs are curved, and the inner convex sides face the near or inner end oi the switch blade 29 for high pressure contact engagement therewith when the blade is in closed position. The springs or fingers 64-65 are integral with the member and springs 66-61 are integral with member 6|.

In order to secure the required high pressure contact engagement, we have also provided sets of counterpressure springs such as I0-1|, which may be made of bronze, coacting with the contact springs or iingers 64-65 and similar counterpressure springs 'I2-13 coacting with contact spring BG-B'L These counterpressure springs may be secured to the mountings 25-26, respecconfusion inthe showing of certainidetails. At-

tached to these mountings are the copper con-k tact bars forming the flat elongated members`88 and 89 which project inwardly and terminate in the L-shaped angularly slotted structures forming the contact springs 90-9I and 92-93. Each of these springs is curved, its convex side facing the switch blade 29 for high pressure engagement therewith. Each spring is also shaped so as to flareloutwardly and upwardly, as particularly' indicated inFigs. 2B and ,3. Secured to mountings on the side walls of the frame are also r`sets'v'of counterpressure springs, each set consisting of two leaves, these sets beingindicated by the numerals 954-96 which coact with the contact springs -9|, respectively, and

91-98 coacting with the contactsprings 92 and 93, respectively. Interposed between each set 0f counterpressure springs and the corresponding contact spring is a spacer such as indicated in Fig. 3 at 99-l00, between the counterpressure spring set 96 and contact spring 9|, and between counterpressure spring set 91 and contact spring 93. Each spacer is again provided with studsr on each side, such as'indicated at |0||02 and |03, which project through apertures in theassociated springs. This contact spring assembly of the stationary contact means, which is provided for high pressure contact engagement with the outer contact end of the switch blade, is thus structurally similar to the spring assembly provided on the opposltely located stationary insulating stack I3 for high pressure contact engagement with the inner end of the switch blade. The lines or bus bars are connected at one end of the switch to the members 88, 89, and at the' closedpositiorl.l The outer contact end ofthe polygonal switch blade 29 is in high pressure contact engagement with the convex faces of the contact springs 90-9I on one side and 92--93 on the other side, the rst set oi springs engaging the corner |05 and the other set Aengaging the corner |06 of the switch blade 29, as particularly shown in Figs. 2B and 3. The inner end of the switch blade is similarly in high pressure contact engagement with the convex faces of the contact springs 64-65 and 66-61 (Fig. 2A),

Awa

which are part of the Ymembers 60-6|. This high pressure contact engagement is reinforced and safeguarded bythe counterpressure springs coacting with the contact springs, as previously described.

1 l The actuatingniechanism comprising the rotatable actuating member 27 is "in the'lposition shown in Fig.r 2A, the stop 42 Yengagingthe stop 43 mounted-on the rib Mbf the fra'rne20. A sef cure and reliable conductive relationship. there- Vfore exists' between thel tworends Voi the switch,` that is, between the tworlinesv that may be connected to the members 88-39 and Bil-6|, re-V .'spectivrely.V There isV nothingthat can get out of order; "nor are there any flexible contacts or thellike as previously used in such structures.

There is a direct and immediate conductive re- -laabnsbip established between the two' opposite ends of theV switch. 'u This lrelationshipv andk the way in whichV it is established A'forms a particular Yfeature of this invention. Y

Now, when it isdesired to break the connecactuating mechanism comprising the rotatable member 21. The' blade will rstrotate angularly around its ownaxis in ordertobreak the high'pressure contact engagement with its associated high pressure/contact springs vat YeitherV f end, andk will then swing through anarfcuate path in clockwisedirectionas seen in Fig.' 1, to

f liit its outer contact-making end out of the'fconv Q 1 tact springs `Sill- 9| and 'i12-9.3.YY VTo describe this disconnect actiona littleniore in detail, the

cranll: vpin ofthe actuating mechanism isangu- -larly `displaced due tothe rotation of theV rotatkable insulatingstackf, causing Vthe actuating 1 f member 21 to rotate initially s o as to impart a.)`A

twisting motion to the switchblade 29.1 The blade is thus angularly rotated fromthe` position in which it is shown in Fig. V3 and high contact pressure between the contact edges lwand |06Y u #ofi the switch bladel and thevstationary rcontacts Y, v4is relieved. Continuing rotation of the rotatable stack results in further-rotation of the actuating member 21 on its crank pin, and the switch blade is swung out from. its closed position through the arcuate path of its disconnect motion and is guided by; theguide 35 in executing this motion. The blade Adescribes an V.arcuate path of'roughly 90iJ and comes to rest in anangular position with respect to the contact springs, which is also Vdisplaced by. about 90 from the position shown in the drawings; that Y is, there is no contact in the open position of the blade between the blade and the contact springs at the inner end of the blade. sions 38-39 on the arms 3 3-34 of the Vblade carriage guide 35 engage the fixed stopslG-II in the open position of the switch, and the blade is `locked against inadvertent displacement due to a certain locking feature incorporated in theV l structure of the actuatingmechanism.` Further details of the operation of this mechanism may be had from consultingr'the previously mentionedf 65 Patent No. 2,231,992. '1 Y The switch closing operation takes place'in reverse direction from the one just outlined; that The s top exten- Y the stationary contacts supported on the insulatingstack I2. The blade is then'inserted into l these contacts.' and when this is accomplished the blade is twistedY into ,itsfinalhigh contact pressure position. Y b The counterbalance spring `mechanism provides for a smooth a'rid'evenV motion of theswitch blade in its closing as well asopeningmovements, and also relieves the Ystrain on the IIL-chanism that otherwise wouldjbe put on itfdue to the shifting weight of the blade" in either dig.- tion, the rotatable stack I4 will be actuatedby f. any` suitable drive means so as to operate the Vhigh pressure contact engagement.V

' 'in connection jwith this structureand'may re-L is,.the rotatable stack -|4 is rotated in the proper l.

direction. and this rotation by. meansof the acf 'l `tuating mechanism -causesktheswitch blade .tol

,. rotate angularly.aroundlfitszownaxis'andto move u gradually throughthe arcuate. pathftothe posi-A tion iHWhiCh it is` .ShQwlin-the .drawings Until.

i itsV contact-making fend is' close to'a'ridgilist'` allieveY rection of operation.' 4 u this connection that the switchxmay assme'considerable proportions `with correspondingly great weights of its individual parts, depending on .the f current which is to be controlledby it; l

The userof the tubular cross-sectionally polygonal'blade described in connectionwith this em' bodiment of the invention presents particular advantages. Howeverit is clear'- that another type of blade couldbe used; for-example,a blade of generally cylindrical form withthe ends atl tened out (asfshown in the embodiment nillus-V trated in Figs. 5-8f); so asn to provide forthe necessary cross-sectional shape which is'in suchv a form desirable for `the purpose of obtaining Ythe Ifdesired,v a grounding switch may be provided ceivethe formY indicated'inrligs.Y 1 and-.3. l

VAttachedto"Y the leg 186 of the frame'll may be a suitablel bracket cialrrying'contacts-.suchV as i||| yand |`|2. The'groundingbladeV H3. isi rotatably'mountedat'its'lower endon a suitable operating mechanism comprising theshaft IIBVl which may be mounted between two brackets Hi and, i6, and maybe suitably operated inY any desired or required manner. A ilexible connection is indicatedV at Il] conductively connecting the blade with'thefbaselVoi-the switch.` 2A. grounding device as disclosed .in the previously` n mentioned patent mayrbe employed in Vplace ofk the one shown herein.

y It ls,belleved that the embodlments'bwnin Figs. V5 8, inclusive, vwill be readily understood.V

ykeeping in mind the salient features' incorporated in the above described structure. The modification is concerned with a double-bladeV switch; Y

that is, instead of one bladethere are two'blades contacts.

the details. f

The base or supporting structure for the switchY `is* indicated at |20. `It carries atone "end the Y j Vstationary insulating stack |2| supportinga stationary contact assemblageP and'associated contact bars connected 'to one'jend'of the line, and two stationary stacks generally indicated in Figs.V 5 and 6B at |22, supporting a framwhich car-v V riesthe stationary contact assemblage toV which z Y is connected the other side of the line or bus'bars Y The frame mounted on thesta-V or the ilke. tionary insulating .stacks |22 also supports the actuating mechanism of the switch -and'the coun'- terbalafnc'e means for the switch blades. "Inter. 'Y

mediate of 'the stationary `insulatingstacks A!2|- |22 is 'disposed a rotatableinsulating `stackgen-I erally"indi'catedinthedrawings by mime'mlk g .i

It must Vvbe .considereddn |23. This stack is rotatably mounted at its lower end in a suitable ball bearing |24 and is provided with an extension |25 for imparting thereto the rotary drive in such a way as may be desirable or necessary.

Mounted on the two stationary insulating stacks |22 is the frame |30, which may be a bronze casting. This frame or carrier structure extends inwardly in the direction of 'the rotatable stack |23, and is provided with means for mounting thereon a number of operating elements as follows: At the rear wall of the frame is provided a bracket-like member |3| from which extend the arms |32 holding the inner stationary counterbalance housings |33. The bottom and the rear wall of the frame branch to each side, as particularly shown in Fig. 6B, and then extend forwardly at an angle, being provided at the two opposite'ly disposed angular portions withmounting means |34 and |35 for 'the attachment of the contact bars |36|31 and the flat elongated members |3B-I39 on one side, and for similar attachment on the other side, to the mounting member |35, of the contact bars |40|4| and the members |42-|43. From the mounting members |34|35 the side walls |44- of the frame extend at an angle inwardly and terminate in the bearing members |46| 41. Rotatably mounted on these members are the arms |48|49 and |50|5| of the guide member |52. Between the arms |49--I 50 of the guide is located the blade-operating mechanism comprising the rotatable actuating member |52 which is mounted on a crank pin to which it is secured by a bearing nut |53. The crank pin, as in the case of the actuating mechanism of the previously described structure, is attached to the rotatable stack |23 and rotatable therewith, and is journalled in a bearing |54 ywhich is part of and extends from the inwardly disposed, centrally located bottom portion |55 of the frame or carrier i structure |30. The bottom portion of the frame extends laterally, as indicated at |56-I51 (Figs. 6B and 8) where side walls of the framedrop down, as shown in Fig. 8 at |58|59, to provide mountings for the sets of counterpressure springs |60-|6|' (attached to the extension |50) and IGZ-|63 (attached to the extension |59). As particularly shown in Fig. 8, an adapter such as |65 is attached to the extension |58 of the frame holding the counterpressure springs |60- |6 and mounted to the other side of this adapter are the two sets of counterpressure springs |66- |61. A similar adapter |68 is secured to the frame extension |59 on the opposite side of the structure holding in position the counterpressure spring sets |62-|63, and secured to the outside of this adapter are the sets ofA counterpressure springs IBS-|10. Each set of counterpressure springs comprises two leaves, asshown in the drawings.

The various elements, generally described above in order to explain the structure and purpose oi the frame or carrier, will now be explained in detail.

The contact bars IBS-|31 and the oppositely located contact bars |49|4| are attached to the mounting members |34-|35, of the frame jointly with the flat elongated members ISB- |39 and |42-|43, as clearly shown in Fig. GB. The contact springs extend from these members inwardly, and are shaped as shown so as to provide for the proper clearance between the two springs of each set at the point where contact is to be made with the inner ends |95 and |95 of the switch at 202 and 203.

blades |91 and |98. Each spring is provided with an angular slot consisting of a longitudinal slot section, as indicated in Fig. 5 at |80, and a slot section perpendicular thereto, as shown at |8|. The perpendicularly disposed slot sections of the springs |39, |42 and |43 are designated in Fig. 6B by numerals |82', |83 and |84. The contact portions of these springs are curved, as shown at` IBS-|86 (spring |38), |81-I88 (spring |33),

the convex sides facing inwardly so as to provide for high pressure contact withthe corresponding inner ends |95 and |96 of the switch blades |91 and |98. Interposed between each contact spring and the associated counterpressure spring set ls a spacer s'uch as 200 shown disposed between the set of counterpressure springs |66 and the contact spring |85, and 20| interposed between the counterpressure springs |61 and contact spring |86. Each of these spacers is provided with studs which enter suitable apertures in the associated contact springs and counterpressure springs, the studs of the spacers 200 and 20| being indicated in Fig. 5 Similar spacers are interposed between each contact spring and its corresponding set of counterpressure springs.

The actuating mechanism may again be of the same general type and operation as disclosed in the previously mentionedt Patent No. 2,231,992. The upper end of the rotatable insulating stack |23 is journalled in the bearing |54 which is part of the frame or carrier structure |30, as already described. Fixedly mounted on the rotatable insulator is an angularly disposed. crank pin, and rotatably attached to this crank pin by means of the bearing nut |53 is the blade control or actuating member |52. Details of the structure and operation of this actuating mechanism may be had from consulting the co-pending application. The actuating member |52 is provided with an extension 205 which projects into the bearing portion 206 of the guide |52', where it is rotatably mounted in ball bearings. This guide extends vfrom the center to either side of the structure, as

is particularly apparent from Figs. 6B and 8, and carries the two blades |91 and |98, one on each side, each blade being rotatably mounted within the guide. The guide itself is pivotally mounted on the bearing members |46 and |41 of the frame |30 by means of the arms |48|49 and |50|5|.

Neglecting for a moment the specific actuation of the switch blades and keeping in mind only vthat the guide |52 is journalled on the bearingr members |46|41, also keeping in mind that the rotation of the rotatable insulating stack |23 is followed by displacement of the actuating member |52, causing the extension 205 to go through a rotary motion and through an arcuate swinging motion (perpendicularly out of the plane of the drawing, as seen in Fig. 6B), it will be 'clear that such operation of the actuating mechanism will swing the guide |52', and with it the blades |91|98 clockwise, as seen in Fig. 5, during the disconnect operation of the switch, into the disconnect position of the blades indicated in Fig. 5 in dotted lines, and vice versa, in counterclockwise direction to bring about the closed position in which the switch is shown in the drawings.

The control mechanism for controlling, guiding v and synchronizingY the operation of the blades will presently be described: We rst want to call attention more in detail to the counterbalanclng device provided in this switch.

The inner stationary housing members |33 (Fig. 6B) telescope intov the cup-like outer rotatable housing members 2I0-2I I, respectively. Counterbalance springs are contained in each of the housings, the inner end of each spring being attached to a. suitable stationary shaft, and the outer end to the corresponding cup-like rotatable housing 2| 0--2I I. The housing 2||J yis provided with an arm 2I3 and the housing 2| I with a similar arm 2|4, and these arms are joined with a link 2|5 journalled between the two bracket extensions 2|62|1 which project from the guide member |52. The tension of the springs contained within the housings I33-2 I 0 and I33T-2Ii is propagated to the arms 2|6-2I1 and therefore directly to the guide |52', vin order to exert a counterbalancing force whenv vthe blades are movedin response tothe operation of the actuating mechanism. i y

As has been already briefly explained, the/exy tension 205 of the actuating member I 52, projectsinto the portion 206 of the guide AIST/where it is journalled in a ball bearing. The arcuate swinging motion of the extension 205 of the member |52 is thus` transmitted to the blades` |91|98 in order to lift the blades out of engagement with f thecontacts at each end thereof or to insert i these blades when it is desired to close the switch. vHowever, the `extension 205` also describes a rotary motion around its own axis,and this motion must be coordinated with respect to and transmitted to the blades |91 and |98, the blades rotating within the bearingsV at each end of the guide |52. In order to accomplish this operation, we have provided the control means which will now be described particularly with reference to Figs. 6B and 8. v

The extension 205 is provided at its end with a polygonal member 220. Two clamp members 22| and 222 are attached to this polygonal member, as shown in the drawings, the clamp member 22| carrying a link 223, and the clamp member 222 being provided with a link 224. A clamp comprising the parts 22'.' and 225, the latter carrying an arm 226. is .similarlyattached to the blade |91, and-a like clamp is attached to the blade |98 comprising the parts 228 and 229, the latter carrying an arm 230. The arm 226 is lli) adapter also shown in connection with the other insulating stacks, and mounted on this adapter is a frame generally indicated by the numeral 240. I'his frame may be a bronze casting, .and carries two lateral arms 24| and 242, each arm lterminating in a downwardly directed ange-like mounting extension such as indicatedin Fig.

7 at 243--244. Attached to each of these mountings are the counterpressure springs 244-245,

ing two leaves, as shown in the drawings. The mounting of these sets of counterpressure springs is accomplished through the medium of the adapter members 252-253 shown particularly in Fig.'1. s l" w Thek frame 240 is also providedwith tworoutwardly directed portions 255 andv 256 which are joined in the rear by a crossmemlber or rib 251.

At opposite endsofv the cross rib are'disposed the extensions 258-459, forming mounting means for attaching ,to the frame the contact bars 260-26I and like bars onthe opposite side, as

indicated at 262-263, and also the'c'orresponding flat members 264--265 and266K-261 form'- ing thecontact springs. vIt willvbe observed thatV tact springs constructed in this manner from the -r members 265, 266,- 261,are indicated at"212'213,

214--215, `and 216-211. The `spring portions lare curved, presenting the convex sides inwardy ly so asto provide for high pressurecontact enmovably connected with the arm 223 through.

^ blades |91 and |98, and the blades are ,thus rotated simultaneously but in opposite directions. And inasmuch as the extension 205.," which is rotatably journalled in the bearing'portion 206 of the guide |52', not only goes through a rotary motion in response to a rotation of the rotatable stack I|23, but also through an arcuate swinging motion,` it follows that the guide will also be caused to go through this swinging motion, the guide being pivoted on the bearing or journal members |46u-I41 through the medium of the arms I48-I49'and I5`0-I5I, and the blades will thus be carried through the arcuate path,fin clockwise direction (as seen in Fig. 5) for 'opening the switch, or inl counterclockwise direction for closing it.

The stationary contact assemblage provided forhigh pressure contact engagement with the outer contact-making ends of the blades |91-I 98 The insulating stack, I2| carries the usual gagement with the iiattened contact-making portions 280 (blade |91) and 28| (blade |98). `Each set of `counterpressure springs such was 244 is separated from its associated contactsprlng such v as 21| by a spacer indicated in Fig. 7` at 285."

Each spacer is provided withstuds which protrude into suitable aperture iniits associated counterpressure springs and also inxthe associated contact spring. The outside stud of the spacer 285 in Fig. 7 is indicated at 286. The studsof the spacers coacting with the other contact springs shown in Fig. 7 are not designated by special reference numerals, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

4The operationy of this last described switch is generally analogous to that of the rst explained structure. ,Howeven `in view of certain additional features incorporated in this embodiment,

its operation may Ibe briefly describedy kas folows:

'me Contact bars lss-131 and u mfat the right side of the switch (Fig. 6B) may be connected with a bus bar or with a line, and similarly, the contact lbars 260-26I and 262-263 .at the left side of the switch (Fig. 6A) may be connected with a bus bar or with a line. The switch is shown in the drawings in closed position. l 1t is provided with generally round or cylindrical switch blades |91 and |98 (blades of other shape may be used, e. g., polygonal in cross-section, as

in the iirst described structure), the flattened ends 280--28I being in high pressure contact engagement with the stationary contact springs mounted on the stationary insulating stack |2|, and the flattened inside ends |95 and |96 being in high pressure contact engagement with the contact springs mounted on the frame attached to the two stationary stacks |22. Conductive relation therefore is established between the bus bar or line terminal attached to the contact bars at one end of the switch, and the corresponding bus bar or line terminal attached to the contact bars at the other end of the switch. The connectlon is positive and reliable at either end of the contact blades. There are no movable parts such as flexible conductors or similarielements that would be subject to damage or give rise to trouble of any kind that may occur under normal operating conditions. We do not mean by normal operating conditions any particular u predetermined condition to which the switch may be subjected. It may be covered with sleet, snow or ice, and even the most unusual conditions that may be imposed, for example, by weather, will not disturb the reliable connection established between the switch blades and the contacts at either end thereof.

When it is desired to actuate the switch so as to break the connection, the rotatable insulating stack |23 will be actuated and will rotate in its bearings |24 and |54, thereby also rotating theA the rst described embodiment (stop 42, FigQZA),

which in closed position of the device is in engagement with a stop 300 shown in Fig. 6B. Suitable stops are also provided for cooperation with the extensions 30| and 302 projecting rear- Wardly from the arms I49|50 of the guide member, so as to limit and determine the opening operation of the switch.l The blade actuating member |52 rotates and transmits its rotary motion to the polygonal member 220 (Figs. 6B

and 8) which is attached toits extension 205.

Therefore. the links 23|-232 are actuated and rotate the blades IST-|98 through the medium of the link members 226 and 230. The-flattened contact-making ends |95 and 280 of the blade |91 and likewise the corresponding contactmaking ends |96 and 28| of the blade |98 are thus angularly displaced within their associated contacts to relieve the high contact pressure nbtaining in the closed position of the switch, The twisting mot-ion is a powerful one so as to break ice or sleet, should the device be under such condition. Thereupon and responsive to further rotation of the rotatable stack |23, the actuating member |52. through its extension 205, lifts the blade guide |52' and therewith the blades |91 and |98 through an arcuate path in clockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 5, and perpendicularly out of the plane of the drawing. as seen in Figs. 6A and 6B, the far ends of the blades (left end of the switch) moving upwardly away from the stationary contacts mounted on the stationary insulating stack |2|, and theF near or inner ends of the blades moving downwardly within and with respect to their associated contacts but out of engagement therewith due to the initial twisting motion imparted to the blades. In Fig. 5 the blades are shown in open position in dotted lines. It-Will be observed that the arcuate motion of the blades is less than 90 in order to avoid interference of the inner ends of the blades with the fixed parts of the mechanism. The extent of the arcuate movement of the blades, however, is not to be considered in the nature of a criterion or aparticular limitation. It may be predetermined and adjusted as desired or required to meet any particular operating conditions.

The movement of the blades during the vclosing operation proceeds in reverse direction. The rotatable stack |23 is rotated in the proper direction, transmitting the rotation to the actuating member |52 which through its extension 205 actuates the link mechanism shown in the drawings, to rotate the blades so as to displace the end portions thereof angularly with respect to the convtacts, and to swing the blades simultaneously through an arcuate path downwardly and in counterclockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 5, until the blades enter the contact-making ends of their associated stationary contacts. The blades at this moment are in an angular-ly tilted position and are substantially out of contact with the contact springs, o r at any rate they do not yet operate againstthe contacts with any particular pressure. When the arcuate closing movement is almost completed the rotary angular twisting motion of the blades is increased and the blades are thus twisted into the high pressure contact engagement with the corresponding contact springs. The switch is then again in the closed position in which it is shown in the drawings.

The counterbalance mechanism guides and controls the movement of the blades in either direction of operation.- counterbalancing the shifting weight of the blades so as to accomplish a smooth, balanced and uniform action in every phase and through every step of the operation.

The load imposed upon the actuating mechanism is thus equalized and balanced throughout the entire 'operation of the switch.

In the embodiments described herein we have shown an actuating mechanism `such as disclosed in detail in the previously noted patent. It is understood, of course, that different types of actuating means may be used for bringing about the operation of the switch blade or blades.

vChanges may be made within the scope and spirit of the appended claims, wherein we have dened what is considered new and what we desire to have protected by Letters Patent of the United States.

We claim:

l. In combination. a pair of laterallyr spaced stationary contact means, a switch blade for each contact means. a pivotally mounted guide,.means ln said guide for rotatably mounting said switch blades, a rotatable actuating member, extension means on said actuating member rotatably jornalled in said guide for moving said guide to move said switch blades through an arcuate path so as to align the end of each blade with the stationary contact means provided therefor, and control means actuated by said extension means for simultaneously rotating said switch blades around equal length constitute an arm attached to'each ol said blades, and link means for movably interconnecting said arms to transmit the. motion of said extension means to said blades.

3. In an electric switch of the ciass described, a stationary contact structure for high pressure contact engagement with a movable switch blade comprising a first mounting, a enit-act spring secured thereto and projecting therefrom, a plurality of integral Contact fingers laterally projecting from said spring at the free end thereof,

a second mounting, ceunterpressure springs one for each of said iingers secured to said second mounting and extending therefrom along lines paralleling the axes oi' said nngers, the free ends of said countei'prcssui'e springs being disposedV in back of said lingers, and spacer means between said fingers and the counterpressuie spring therefor.

4. The contact structure defined in claim 3, wherein one side of each of said lingers is shaped convex for direct engagement with said blade.

5. The contact structure defined in claim 3, together with a unitary frame forming said mountings. i

6. A contact device for an electric switch of the class described comprising a generally dat elongated member, a plurality of resilient contact springs projecting angularly from said member at one end thereof and forming a generally L-shaped structure therewith, a convex contact making surface formed at one side of each of said springs, and a counterpressure spring for each of said Contact springs disposed in back thereof.

'7. The structure defined in claim 6, wherein said Contact springs are integral with said member.

8. The structure defined in Vclaim (i, wherein said Contact springs are integral with said member, together with a mounting frame, and means on said frame for securing said member and said counterpressure springs.

9. A contact device for an electric switch of the class described comprising a generally flat elongated member, a plurality of progressively larger generally L-shaped contact springs disposed in a A common plane edgewise relative to each other to form a generally L-shaped contact at one end of said member, a curved contact making surface formed on one side of each of said contact springs, and a plurality of counterpressure springs one for and4 disposed in` back of each of said contact springs. v

10. The structure deiined in claim 9, wherein said contact springs are integral with said elongated member.

l1. The structure dened in claim 9, wherein said contact springs are integral with said elongated member and are formed thereon by L- shaped parallel slots cut in said member at the "end thereof.

12. The structure defined in claim 9, wherein generally bar-shaped members of substantially said counterpressure springs, and wherein the free ends thereoflare disposed in back of said contact springs along a commonline which parallels theedge of said elongatedmember.

` extension means and the blade is eiected by linkV 13. The structure defined in claim 9, together With a mounting frame, and means on said frame for securing said member and said counterpressure springs.

14. In an electric switch having stationary contacts disposed spaced from each other to form a gap and a unitary elongated blade for bridging said gap in closed position of said switch by direct high pressure Contact engagement of its opposite free ends with said stationary contacts, a device for operating said blade comprising a pivotally mounted guide member, bearing means insaid guide member for supporting said blade for rotation therein around its own axis, a movable actuating member ior moving said guide around its pivot -to move said blade through an arcuate path so as to move the oppositefree ends thereof toward and away from said stationary contacts to eiect the closing and opening of said switch, respectively. and extension means projecting from and being movable with said actuating member and being connected with said blade `for simultaneously 'rotating said blade within said guide angularly around its own axis to rotate the opposite free ends of said blade into and out of high pressure contact engagement with said stationary contacts coincident with the arcuate motion thereof.

15. The structure and combination deiined in' claim 14, wherein the connection between the means disposed adjacent said guide member.

16. An electric switch of the class described comprising a guide member extending perpendicular to the longitudinal switch axis, means for pivotally mounting said guide member for larcu ate motion with respect to the switch axis, a plurality of switch blades disposed lin parallel to each other and paralleling said switch axis, said blades projecting through said guide and being rotatably mounted therein near one end thereof,link means disposed adjacent said guide in parallel therewith on one side thereof and Vinterconnecting said blades, and an actuating member projecting into Y,

and through said guide and being rotatably mounted therein, said actuating member acting upon said guide and upon'said link means for moving said blades through an arcuate path with respect to said switch axis and for simultaneously rotating said blades angularly around their own axes,

17. In an electric switch, the combination of. a switch blade and an operatingmechanism therefor comprising a guide member extending crosswise of the longitudinal blade axis, means in said member for rotatably jouriialling said blade therein, actuating means projecting through and rotatably journalled within said guide for moving it and said blade through an arcuate path, and link means connected with and actuated upon by said actuating means for simultaneously rotating said blade around its own axis.

ELIAS s. ooieivirLL.4 THoRsTEN FJELLSTEDT. STANLEY c. KILLIAN. 

